Flag of Rwanda
The national flag of Rwanda is made up of three horizontal stripes. These consist of the colors sky blue (placed on top), yellow (found at the middle) and green (at the bottom). The yellow and green stripes are of equal width while the sky blue stripe is double the size of the two stripes. Located at the top right corner is a golden sun with 24 emanating rays.
Symbolism
- Blue stripe: Symbolizes happiness and peace.
- Yellow stripe: It stands for the country’s mineral wealth and economic development.
- Green stripe: Represents the country’s natural resources and prosperity.
- Sun: Symbolizes transparency, unity, and enlightenment from ignorance.
Specifications
- The Rwandan flag is in proportion of 2:3.
- The color tones are set at the following:
Color |
Blue |
Green |
Yellow |
Sun yellow |
Pantones |
3005c |
3415c |
109c |
130 c |
History
The current national flag of Rwanda was adopted on October 25, 2001. It was designed by the Rwandan artist and engineer, Alphonse Kirimobenecyo.
A new flag was created to replace the flag that had been in use before its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. This endeavor was an attempt from the government to disassociate the flag from the bloodshed that had characterized the country since its independence. The violence that had long plagued the country culminated in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide wherein 500,000 to 800,000 Tutsis and moderates were massacred by Hutu extremists.
The previous flag was a tricolor of red, yellow, and green with a large letter”R” placed at the middle. The letter “R” functions to distinguish it with the flag of Guinea.
The details of the previous flag were derived from the flag of Ethiopia. The color green represented peace, yellow represented the nation’s hope for future development and red symbolizes the Rwandan people.
The creation of the new Rwandan flag was enacted by the amendment of the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Rwanda and the adoption of the provisions of the bill on the National Flag.
The amendment of the constitution, particularly the first, second and third paragraph of article three of the June 10, 1991 Constitution, had also made changes on the motto, seal, and the national anthem.
